Method of customizing vehicle control system

ABSTRACT

A method of customizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle including creating with a controller a user profile comprising at least one performance characteristic. The user profile is stored in a memory device. At least one vehicle control characteristic of the vehicle component control system is adapted based on the at least one performance characteristic of the user profile.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a method of customizing avehicle component control system of a vehicle. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a method of customizing a vehicle componentcontrol system of a vehicle including creating a performancecharacteristic and adapting a vehicle control characteristic of thevehicle component control system based on the performancecharacteristic.

2. Background Information

Vehicle drivers have a wide range of physical characteristics,capabilities, preferences and other attributes that affect how eachindividual driver operates a vehicle. Vehicles are typically designedfor a wide range of users but are generally not able to accommodate theparticular needs and/or preferences of such a wide range of drivers.Vehicles have recently included means of customizing performancecharacteristics, such as steering and handling characteristics, throughselection of predetermined, fixed settings provided by the manufacturer.For example, some vehicles have fixed modes, such as normal, sport, eco(economical) or snow, that adjust a performance characteristic of thevehicle to correspond to the selected mode. However, the parametersassociated with each mode are fixed and cannot be customized to suit thespecific needs, requirements and/or preferences of each individualdriver. Accordingly, a need exists for a method and system of adjustinga performance characteristic of a vehicle control system to correspondto a user profile associated with each individual driver.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that customizing a performance characteristic ofa vehicle control system of a vehicle to an individual driver isdesirable. For example, at least one calibration test is presented tothe driver by a stimuli presentation system and a user profile isdetermined based on the detected response thereto by the driver. Theperformance characteristic of the vehicle control system of the vehiclecan be adjusted to the user profile determined for each individualdriver.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a method of customizing a vehicle componentcontrol system of a vehicle including creating with a controller a userprofile comprising at least one performance characteristic. The userprofile is stored in a memory device. At least one vehicle controlcharacteristic of the vehicle component control system is adapted basedon the at least one performance characteristic of the user profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle having a component controladaptation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle cockpit including an in-dashdisplay;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle cockpit including a heads-updisplay;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle cockpit while the vehicle isin a motive state;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display in which a user profile iscompared to a baseline profile;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a display in which a driver is prompted torespond to a recorded driving incident;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a steering entropy calibration test inwhich a user responds to objects displayed by a stimuli presentationsystem;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a calibration test in which a user isprompted to actuate a vehicle component responsive to a presentedstimulus;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a calibration test in which a user isprompted to track movement of an object displayed by the stimulipresentation system;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating capturing a user profile andadjusting a performance characteristic of the vehicle control system tocorrespond to the user profile; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an in-dash display in which a mechanicalpointer is controlled during a calibration test by operation of avehicle component by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Selected exemplary embodiments will now be explained with reference tothe drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the exemplary embodimentsare provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limitingthe invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The disclosed exemplary embodiments of the present invention are for acomponent control adaptation system 12 for adjusting a performancecharacteristic of a vehicle control system of a vehicle 10, as shown inFIG. 1, to correspond to a user profile. A controller 14 of thecomponent control adaptation system 12 can adjust the performancecharacteristic to correspond to the user profile. The vehicle controlsystem can include, but is not limited to, a steering control system 16and a braking control system 18. The adjustable performancecharacteristic can include, but is not limited to, performancecharacteristics associated with the steering and braking control systems16 and 18, such as tightness of a steering wheel 19 and tightness of abrake pedal 20 travel to 100% application.

The steering control system 16 includes the steering wheel 19operatively connected to the steering control system 16 of the vehicle10 to control the steering control system 16. The braking control system18 includes a brake pedal 20 operatively connected to the brakingcontrol system 18 to control the braking control system 18. Theexemplary embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the steering and braking control systems 16 and 18,although the present invention is not so limited and can be applied toother vehicle control systems.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the component control adaptation system12 for a host vehicle 10 is illustrated in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. The component control adaptation system 12 includes avehicle component (e.g., steering wheel 19, brake pedal 20, clutchpedal, paddle shifters, and brake and acceleration levers/controlsdisposed around a steering wheel of a handicap equipped vehicle) of avehicle component control system (e.g., steering control system 16,braking control system 18, acceleration control system and/ortransmission control system), a controller 14, an actuation sensor 23, astimuli presentation system 21 and a memory device 22. The vehiclecomponent can be disposed anywhere in the vehicle.

The actuation sensor 23, such as a steering wheel actuation sensor 25 ora brake pedal actuation sensor 26, detects actuation of the vehiclecomponent, such as the steering wheel 19 or the brake pedal 20,respectively. The controller 14 is configured to determine and store auser profile in the memory device 22 while the vehicle 10 is in anon-motive state. The controller 14 is configured to present a stimulusvia a stimuli presentation system 21, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.The actuation sensor 23 communicates with the controller 14 to detectactuation of the vehicle component in response to the presentedstimulus. A user profile is determined based on a comparison of thedetected actuation of the vehicle component to a baseline profile storedin the memory device 22. Alternatively, the user profile can be updatedbased on a comparison to an existing (i.e., previously created) userprofile. The determined user profile is stored in the memory device 22.The memory device 22 can be on-board, off-board (e.g., the cloud), orportable (e.g., a memory card or mobile device) and connectable to theon-board system. An adjustable performance characteristic of the vehiclecontrol system can be adjusted to correspond to the user profile.

The controller 14 preferably includes a microcomputer with a controlprogram that controls the component control adaptation system 12 asdiscussed below. The controller 14 can also include other conventionalcomponents such as an input interface circuit, an output interfacecircuit, and storage device(s), such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) deviceand a RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer of thecontroller 14 is programmed to control one or more of the stimulipresentation system 21, the actuation sensor 23, and the memory device22, and to make determinations or decisions, as discussed herein. Thecontroller 14 is operatively coupled to the steering control system 16,the braking control system 18 and the actuation sensor 23 in aconventional manner, thereby enabling the controller 14 to monitor andcontrol any of these systems as desired. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the precise structure andalgorithms for the controller 14 can be any combination of hardware andsoftware that will carry out the functions of the present invention.Portions of the controller 14 and/or functions thereof can be disposedoff-board, and in communication with the controller 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 14 is in communication with a display27, which can include a user input device 28, thereby enabling a user tointeract with the controller 14 and the component control adaptationsystem 12. The controller 14 can further include or be in communicationwith one or more memory device(s) 22, which can store information, suchas the user profile and a baseline profile, as discussed herein. Thedriver can interact with the control adaptation system 12 through theuser input device 28 associated with the display 27, or user inputs 58associated with the steering wheel 19, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.Alternatively, any suitable user inputs can be provided, such as voicerecognition and/or gesture inputs.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the componentcontrol adaptation system 12 adjusts a performance characteristic of thesteering control system 16. Stimuli are presented to the driver by thestimuli presentation system 21. The stimuli can be visual imagesdisplayed by a display 27, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The display 27 canbe a display 35 disposed in the center stack or instrument panel 29, asshown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the display 27 can be a heads-up display36 displayed on a front windshield 30 of the vehicle 10, as shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively, the display 27 can be a meter cluster display 71,as shown in FIG. 2. The presented stimuli can be displayed by a singledisplay 27 or by a combination of displays, such as, for example, theinstrument panel display 35 and the meter cluster display 71. Thestimuli can also be presented in the rear view mirror 75, side mirrors77, and/or side windows. Alternatively, the stimuli can be auditorystimuli 42 presented by speakers 31 disposed in the instrument panel 29,as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 11, the meter cluster display 71 includes at least onedisplay dial 65 having a mechanical pointer 67. A plurality of indicatorlights 69, such as light emitting diodes, circumferentially surround thedisplay dial 65. The indicator lights 69 can be illuminated as thepresented stimuli and the mechanical pointer 67 can be controlled by thevehicle component, such as the steering wheel 19 or brake pedal 20,responsive to the presented stimuli.

The stimuli can also be presented through haptic feedback of the vehiclecontrol system being customized. For example, the driver can be promptedto push the brake pedal 20 until vibration of the brake pedal is sensedby the driver. Haptic feedback through the steering wheel can also becustomized based on user adjustment and/or real time analysis of contactwith the steering wheel sensed by sensors 33.

A user profile is created to customize or fine tune at least oneperformance characteristic of at least one vehicle control system. Suchcustomization accounts for physical characteristics, capabilities,preferences and/or other attributes of the driver. The user profile isdetermined through at least one calibration test, which requires thedriver to respond to a presented stimulus. The user profile isindicative of the driver's ability to manipulate the vehicle control.The results of the calibration test are compared to a baseline profilestored in the memory device 22 to determine the user profile for thedriver. The user profile is stored in the memory device 22. Theperformance characteristic of the vehicle control system can be adjustedto correspond to the user profile. Accordingly, each individual driverhas a personal, customized user profile. The customized user profileimproves the driving experience for the driver, in addition to providinga safer driving experience. The vehicle component, such as the steeringwheel 19 or the brake pedal 20, is operatively disconnected from aremainder of the vehicle component control system when creating theperformance characteristic.

FIG. 10 includes a flowchart that illustrates capturing a user profileand adjusting a performance characteristic of the vehicle control systemto correspond to the user profile. When the vehicle 10 is in thenon-motive state (S101), the controller 14 can check to determinewhether an update to the baseline profile is available (S102), and thebaseline profile is updated when available (S103). The controller 14 candetermine whether a user profile is available (S104). When a userprofile is not available, the driver is prompted whether the adaptationmode should be entered to create a user profile (S105). Accordingly,when a user profile is available that the driver wants to use withoutmodification, the driver can opt to load the user profile (S106). Thedriver can also opt to load a baseline profile (S106) when a userprofile is not available and the driver does not wish to create a userprofile or when the driver elects to use the baseline profile instead ofa user profile. When a profile (either a user or baseline profile) isloaded and the adaptation mode is not entered, the vehicle performancecharacteristics are adjusted to correspond to the loaded profile (S114).

When the adaptation mode is entered (S105), the user is presented with astimulus (S107) by the stimuli presentation system 21 (FIG. 1). Asdescribed in more detail below, the stimulus can include a range ofmotion calibration test, a strength calibration test, a reaction timecalibration test, a steering entropy calibration test, or any othertests related to the vehicle component system to be adjusted. Theresponse to the stimulus from the vehicle control system is recorded(S108). These tests can be individually selected by the driver, orotherwise repeated in succession to create and customize the userprofile for multiple performance characteristics (S109). Alternatively,the component control adaptation system 12 can individually selectcalibration tests based on control characteristics that are detected tobe operating outside of expectations.

The customized user profile is then presented to the driver (S110). Theuser profile can be presented to the driver in any suitable manner, suchas visually (e.g., graphically) and/or textually. The graphicalpresentation can include, but is not limited to, a line or bar chart, orother suitable representation allowing the driver to determinedifferences between profile choices. The driver is prompted whether theuser profile is acceptable (S111). When the user profile is acceptable,the user profile is loaded (S113), and the vehicle performancecharacteristic is adjusted to correspond to the accepted user profile(S114). Alternatively, the driver can reject the user profile, andmodify parameters thereof (S112). The modified user profile is thenloaded (S113), and the vehicle performance characteristic is adjusted tocorrespond to the accepted user profile (S114). The driver can operatethe vehicle control after application of the user profile while thevehicle is in the non-motive state to determine whether the driver iscomfortable with the parameters of the created and applied user profile.The driver can enter a test drive mode, after application of the userprofile, during which the driver operates the vehicle. A plurality ofcharacteristics can be changed successively during the test drive modefor comparison by the driver. Following operation of the vehicle andreturning to a non-motive state, the driver is prompted to accept oradjust the characteristics associated with the user profile.

Once the vehicle performance characteristic is adjusted based on theloaded profile (S114), the vehicle 10 can enter the motive state (S115)such that the vehicle control system operates in accordance with theadjusted vehicle performance characteristic while the vehicle 10 isoperated. When the vehicle 10 is in the motive state, drivingcharacteristics can be recorded (S116). The driver can be presented withrecommended vehicle performance characteristics based on the recordeddriving characteristics (S117). The driver is then prompted whether therecommended performance characteristics are acceptable (S118). When thedriver accepts the recommended performance characteristics, the userprofile is modified to reflect the recommended performancecharacteristics (S119). When the driver does not accept the recommendedperformance characteristics, the user profile is not modified.

As shown in S102 of FIG. 10, the baseline profile is stored in thememory device 22 (FIG. 1). The baseline profile can be updated, as shownin S103. Changes to the baseline profile can be made through remote,wireless updates, such as updates to the baseline profile received froma central database of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ordealership, for example. The baseline profile updates can be automaticor can be initiated by the driver.

Additionally, user profiles can be wirelessly transmitted to a centraldatabase from a plurality of host vehicles 10. The transmitted userprofiles can be periodically aggregated to create an updated baselineprofile based on an analysis of the aggregated user profiles. Theupdated baseline profile can then be wirelessly transmitted to thevehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and stored in the memory device 22.

The driver is prompted regarding the availability of the user profile inS104. The user profile can be previously created through the adaptationmode and stored on-board the vehicle 10 in the memory device 22.Alternatively, a previously created user profile can be transferred tothe memory device 22 from a portable data storage device. When a userprofile is not available, the adaptation mode can be entered to createthe user profile. Additionally, the adaptation mode can be entered tomodify an existing user profile. Alternatively, the driver can elect touse the baseline profile. Adjustments to the user profile can be maderemotely, e.g., through an internet portal of an application on a mobiledevice.

The controller 14 (FIG. 1) initiates the adaptation mode in S105. Theadaptation mode can be used to modify a previously created user profile,or can be used to create a new user profile. The adaptation mode caninclude, but is not limited to, a steering adaptation mode and a brakingadaptation mode.

To create or adjust the user profile, the stimuli presentation system 21(FIG. 1) presents a stimulus to the driver in S107. The presentedstimulus can include a range of motion calibration test, a strengthcalibration test, a reaction time calibration test, a steering entropycalibration test, or any other tests related to the vehicle componentsystem to be adjusted. The driver responds to the presented stimulithrough operation of the vehicle component, such as the steering wheel19 or the brake pedal 20. The controller 14 (FIG. 1) receives a signalfrom the actuator sensor 23 (FIG. 1) based on the detected actuation ofthe vehicle component responsive to the presented stimuli, and recordsthe responses to the stimuli from the vehicle control system in S108.

As one example, the controller 14 initiates a steering adaptation modeS105, as shown in FIG. 10. To adjust a performance characteristic of thesteering control system 16, at least one of several calibration testscan be conducted. The calibration tests are conducted when the vehicle10 is in a non-motive state. The calibration tests can include, but arenot limited to, strength calibration, reaction time calibration, rangeof motion calibration and steering entropy calibration, as describedbelow. The steering wheel 19 is preferably not directly linked to asteering rack in the non-motive state, such that the steering wheel canturn freely. In electronic control systems (e.g., steer-by-wire), thecontrol can be disconnected so that only the control (e.g., the steeringwheel) is manipulated without actuating the resulting component (e.g.,the wheels). The vehicle component, such as the steering wheel 19 or thebrake pedal 20, is operatively disconnected from a remainder of thevehicle component control system when creating the performancecharacteristic.

In the strength calibration test, the driver is prompted to turn thesteering wheel 19 as quickly as possible until indicated to stop. Inaddition to or instead of speed, the driver can be prompted to turn thesteering wheel 19 as hard as possible until indicated to stop to testthe driver's strength through a range of motion. The strengthcalibration test determines a strength characteristic. The prompt can bea visual image 49 (FIG. 8) displayed on the display 27 or can be anauditory stimulus 42 projected from the speakers 31. Upon seeing thedisplayed image 49 or hearing the auditory stimulus 42, the driver turnsthe steering in a direction indicated by arrow 50 as instructed. Theactuation sensor 25 (FIG. 1) operatively connected to the steering wheel19 detects actuation of the steering wheel 19 and communicates with thecontroller 14 to record the driver's response to the presented stimulusinto the memory device 22. The speed of actuation is determinedfollowing the presented stimulus. The strength calibration test can berepeated with different resistance forces applied to the steering wheel19 by the controller 14. The controller 14 can cause the stimulipresentation system 21 to display a prompt on the display requesting theuser to select which of a plurality of resistance forces applied to thesteering wheel 19 is more comfortable. The driver can select the optionthrough the user inputs 28 associated with the display 27, or userinputs 58 associated with the steering wheel 19. The user inputs caninclude a plurality of buttons and/or dials, as shown in FIG. 2. Thestrength calibration test can be repeated until the driver selects aresistance with which the driver is comfortable.

In the reaction time calibration test, the driver is prompted to turnthe steering wheel 19 as soon as a visual or auditory stimulus ispresented. The reaction time calibration test determines a reactioncharacteristic. The stimuli can be presented haptically. The visualstimulus 41 (FIG. 2) is displayed on the display 27. The auditorystimulus 42 (FIG. 2) is projected from the speakers 31. When the driversees the displayed image (49 of FIG. 8) or hears the auditory stimulus(42 of FIG. 8), the driver turns the steering wheel 19 in the directionindicated by the arrow 50 as instructed. The actuation sensor 25(FIG. 1) operatively connected to the steering wheel 19 detectsactuation of the steering wheel 19 and communicates with the controller14 the driver's response to the presented stimulus. The time toactuation is determined after first presenting a first stimulus in whichan instruction to actuate the vehicle component as quickly as possibleafter a second stimulus. The second stimulus is then presented, and thetime to actuation is determined. The reaction time calibration test canbe repeated to determine the driver's response time to presentedstimuli.

In the range of motion calibration test, the driver is prompted to turnthe steering wheel 19 a set number of rotations until a steering stop isreached, as shown in FIG. 9. The range of motion calibration testdetermines a range of motion characteristic. The stimulus can bevisually displayed on the display 27 or audibly presented through thespeakers 31. When the driver sees the displayed image (54 of FIG. 9) orhears the auditory stimulus (42 of FIG. 9), the driver turns thesteering wheel 19 in the direction indicated by the arrow 56 asinstructed. The actuation sensor 25 (FIG. 1) operatively connected tothe steering wheel 19 detects actuation of the steering wheel 19 andcommunicates with the controller 14 the driver's response to thepresented stimulus. After the stimulus is presented, the amount ofactuation is determined. The range of motion calibration test can alsotest the physical range of motion of the driver. This can includedetecting when the driver changes from two-handed operation toone-handed operation, and/or from one-handed operation to two-handedoperation. Additionally, the driver can be prompted to turn the steeringwheel with one hand in a direction until a stop is reached, and thenrepeat with two hands. The driver can also be prompted to turn thesteering wheel to the stop in a certain direction with either one or twohands, whichever is comfortable.

In the steering entropy calibration test, the driver is prompted toperform a tracking and compensatory task to determine an entropycharacteristic. The steering entropy calibration tests lane keepingability. The steering entropy calibration test determines correspondingactuation after presenting a stimulus. The presented stimulus includesdisplaying a representation of the vehicle with a plurality of boundarymarking and movement of the representation of the vehicle relative tothe boundary markings. The entropy characteristic is determined bydetecting actuation of the vehicle component corresponding to movementof the representation of the vehicle.

For example, the driver operates the steering wheel 19 to track a movingimage on the display 27, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9. The driver turnsthe steering wheel to track movement of the image 41 between a firstposition 43 and a second position 44 of the image. Text 45 can bedisplayed on the display 27, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to prompt theuser to track movement of the image with the steering wheel 19.Alternatively, the user can be prompted by an auditory message emittedfrom the speakers 31. Another exemplary steering entropy calibrationtest prompts the driver to control an image 46 on the display 27 withthe steering wheel 19 and moves the steering wheel 19 to maintain theimage between oppositely disposed moving obstacles 47 and 48, as shownin FIG. 7. The display 27 of FIG. 7 can be representative of a single ormultiple lane road.

When driving the vehicle 10, the driver continuously assesses thesituation and unconsciously employs smooth and predictable steeringcontrol. Smooth can be defined as turning the steering wheel a little ata time in small increments. When the driver is distracted or otherwiseimpaired, the driver does not monitor the environment as effectively andthe vehicle can deviate laterally. Steering predictability decreases asthe driver introduces more corrective maneuvers, which increases asdistraction or impairment increases. The steering entropy calibrationtest assesses the driver's corrective steering tendencies andaccordingly modifies a performance characteristic of the steeringcontrol system 16.

A plurality of sensors 33 are disposed in the steering wheel 19, asshown in FIG. 2, to determine whether the driver is using one or twohands, as well as determining the hand position employed by the driver.The sensors 33 can be capacitive touch sensors, although any suitablesensors can be used. The driver can be prompted to perform the abovetests (strength calibration test, reaction time calibration test, rangeof motion calibration test and steering entropy calibration test) withone or two hands to determine differences therebetween. Accordingly, thecontroller 14 can adjust a performance characteristic of the steeringcontrol system 16 responsive to whether the sensors 33 detect one ortwo-handed operation, as well as adjusting a performance characteristicthat is responsive to the detected driver's hand position. The sensors33 can also detect whether the driver is wearing heavy gloves and hapticfeedback to the steering wheel 19 is adjusted accordingly. The sensors33 act as contact sensors to detect a contact condition of the steeringwheel 19. Any vehicle component can include a contact sensor to detect acontact condition thereof. A vehicle control characteristic of thevehicle component control system can be readjusted based on theperformance characteristic and the contact condition.

The strength calibration test, reaction time calibration test and rangeof motion calibration test can be conducted with the driver first movingthe steering wheel 19 in one direction (e.g., clockwise), and thenmoving the steering wheel 19 in the opposite direction (e.g.,counterclockwise). The actuation sensors 25 detect actuation of thesteering wheel 19, and the controller 14 determines the user profilebased on a comparison with the baseline profile. Additional calibrationtests can also be conducted to determine the driver's responsiveness ina normal driving situation and/or an emergency driving situation. Visualimages can be displayed, such as vehicles and other objects, todetermine how the driver responds to the presented situations andreaction times to warnings.

In another example, the controller 14 initiates the braking adaptationmode (S105) to adjust a performance characteristic of the brakingcontrol system 18. Stimuli are presented to the driver by the stimulipresentation system 21 (S107). The stimuli can be visual imagesdisplayed by a display 27 disposed in the instrument panel 29, as shownin FIG. 2. Alternatively, the display 27 can be a heads-up display 36displayed on the windshield 30 of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 3.Alternatively, the stimuli can be an auditory stimuli emitted by thespeakers 31, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

To adjust a performance characteristic of the braking control system 18,several calibration tests can be conducted. The calibration tests areconducted when the vehicle 10 is in a non-motive state. The calibrationtests can include, but are not limited to, strength calibration,reaction time calibration and range of motion calibration, as describedbelow. The brake boosters can be modulated electrically, such that thebrake pedal 20 can be operated in a simulated manner when the vehicle 10is in a non-motive state.

In the strength calibration test, the driver is prompted to push thebrake pedal 20, either once or several times, as quickly as possibleuntil indicated to stop. In addition to or instead of speed, the drivercan be prompted to push the brake pedal 20 as hard or forcefully aspossible until indicated to stop to test the driver's strength through arange of motion. The prompt can be a visual image displayed on thedisplay 27 or can be an auditory stimulus projected from the speakers31. When the driver sees the displayed image (49 of FIG. 8) or hears theauditory stimulus (42 of FIG. 8), the driver applies force as instructedto the brake pedal 20 as indicated by the arrow 52. The actuation sensor26 (FIG. 1) operatively connected to the brake pedal 20 detectsactuation of the brake pedal 20 and communicates with the controller 14the driver's response to the presented stimulus. The strengthcalibration test can be repeated with different resistance forcesapplied to the brake pedal 20 by the controller 14. The controller 14can cause the stimuli presentation system 21 to display a prompt on thedisplay 27 requesting the user to select which of a plurality ofresistance forces applied to the brake pedal 20 is more comfortable. Thedriver can select the option through the user inputs 28 associated withthe display 27, or user inputs 58 associated with the steering wheel 19.The user inputs can include a plurality of buttons and/or dials. Thetest can be repeated until the driver selects a resistance with whichthe driver is comfortable.

In the reaction time calibration test, the driver is prompted to pushthe brake pedal 20 as soon as a visual or auditory stimulus ispresented. The visual stimulus is displayed on the display 27. Theauditory stimulus is projected from the speakers 31. When the driversees the displayed image (49 of FIG. 8) or hears the auditory stimulus(42 of FIG. 8), the driver applies force as instructed to the brakepedal 20 as indicated by the arrow 52. The actuation sensor 26 (FIG. 1)operatively connected to the brake pedal 20 detects actuation of thebrake pedal 20 and communicates with the controller 14 to record thedriver's responses to the presented stimuli into the memory device 22.The reaction time calibration test can be repeated to determine thedriver's response time to presented stimuli.

In the range of motion calibration test, the driver is prompted to pushthe brake pedal 20 as far down as possible or until a braking stop isreached. The stimulus can be visually displayed on the display 27 oraudibly presented through the speakers 31. When the driver sees thedisplayed image (49 of FIG. 8) or hears the auditory stimulus (42 ofFIG. 8), the driver applies force as instructed to the brake pedal 20 asindicated by the arrow 52. The actuation sensor 26 (FIG. 1) operativelyconnected to the brake pedal 20 detects actuation of the brake pedal 20and communicates with the controller 14 the driver's response to thepresented stimulus.

A plurality of sensors 34 are disposed in the brake pedal 20 to detect aposition of the driver's foot on the brake pedal 20. The sensors 34 canbe pressure sensors or capacitive touch sensors, although any suitablesensors can be used. Accordingly, the controller 14 can adjust aperformance characteristic of the braking control system 18 responsiveto the foot position detected by the sensors 34. The sensors 34 act ascontact sensors to detect a contact condition of the brake pedal 20. Avehicle control characteristic of the vehicle component control systemcan be readjusted based on the performance characteristic and thecontact condition.

The plurality of calibration tests in the adaptation mode can berepeated in succession to customize the user profile for multipleperformance characteristics. Additionally, multiple characteristics canbe implemented for comparison during successive tests, such that thedriver can choose the preferred characteristic. Other characteristicscan be presented to the driver based on the preferred characteristic.The responses to the presented stimuli from the vehicle control systemare recorded (S108). The resulting data is compared to the baselineprofile to determine and create the user profile for the driver (S109).The user profile is saved and stored in the memory device 22.

Additional drivers can conduct the calibration tests, such that aplurality of user profiles are stored in the memory device 22.Accordingly, prior to entering the motive state of the vehicle (S115),the appropriate user profile is selected by the driver from theplurality of user profiles stored on the memory device 22. The drivercan also save a plurality of user profiles to the memory device 22, inwhich each user profile is directed to a different driving experiencedesired by the driver.

The controller 14 (FIG. 1) determines the user profile based on acomparison of the recorded responses to the presented stimuli from thevehicle control system to the baseline profile stored in the memorydevice 22 (FIG. 1) in S109. In S110, the created user profile ispresented to the driver. In S111, the driver can determine whether toaccept the created user profile, which is then loaded (S113). Parametersof the user profile associated with the performance characteristic aredisplayed for confirmation or adjustment by the driver. The performancecharacteristic of the vehicle control system is adjusted to correspondto the user profile (S114). When the user profile is accepted, thevehicle 10 (FIG. 1) can enter the motive state in S115.

When the driver opts to not accept the user profile, the driver canmanually adjust parameters of the user profile in S112. As shown in FIG.5, for example, a performance characteristic of the user profile 51 iscompared to the performance characteristic of the baseline profile 53.As shown in FIG. 5, the user profile 51 falls outside a normal range ofthe baseline profile 53. The driver is prompted to move the value to asetting within the normal range, such as by operating a dial of theinput device 28, if desired. Alternatively, the driver can accept thevalue outside the normal range. The driver is prompted whether thedetermined user profile is acceptable. The driver can either accept thedetermined user profile (S111), accept the performance characteristic ofthe baseline profile (S106) or manually adjust the user profile to adesired setting (S112). The manually adjusted user profile is then savedto the memory device 22 (FIG. 1), and the modified user profile isloaded (S113). When the user profile is manually adjusted, the vehicle10 can enter the motive state in S115 with the performancecharacteristic of the vehicle control system adjusted to correspond tothe manually adjusted user profile (S114).

The performance characteristic of the vehicle control system is adjustedto correspond to the determined user profile for the driver (S114). Theperformance characteristic can be adjusted by adjusting a response to asignal from the vehicle component or by adjusting the movability of thevehicle component. For example, the resistance of the vehicle component,such as the steering wheel 19 or the brake pedal 20, can be adjusted.The resistance can be adjusted hydraulically or magnetorheologically,although any suitable manner of adjusting the resistance of the vehiclecomponent can be used. As another example, the range of the brake pedal20 from 0 to 100% force application is adjusted such that the range from0 to 100% force application is different (e.g., decreased or increased)to correspond to the user profile.

When the vehicle 10 is in the motive state, the controller 14 can recorda driving incident to the memory device 22 (S116 of FIG. 10). Forexample, when the driver of the vehicle 10 applies the brake 20 suddenlybehind another braking vehicle 55, the controller 14 saves the incidentto the memory device 22, as indicated on the display 27 in FIG. 4. Thedisplay 27 can display text indicating to the driver that the drivingincident has been recorded to the memory device 22. When the drivingevent is complete and the vehicle 10 returns to the non-motive state,the recorded driving incident can be presented to the driver, as shownin S117 of FIG. 10. The display 27 can prompt the driver regarding thedriving incident, as shown in FIG. 6. The display 27 can show thepercentage of brake application for the driver (e.g., 80%) 57 comparedto an expected baseline brake application (e.g., 100%) 59. The drivercan be notified that less than optimal brake application was detectedduring the driving incident, as shown in FIG. 6, and prompted as towhether an increase in brake pedal sensitivity is desired. The driver isthen prompted whether the user profile should be updated based on arecommended performance characteristic (S118). The driver can respondthat the brake was applied as intended and that the user profile shouldnot be modified, or that the driver was not able to fully apply thebrake and that the performance characteristic for the brake controlsystem 18 should be adjusted accordingly (S119 of FIG. 10).

In another example, a front collision warning system detects a hazardand records that the driver responded in X seconds and was able toreduce the vehicle speed in Y seconds to finally stop the vehicle withinZ feet of the hazard (e.g., another vehicle). When the ideal gap shouldhave been larger, e.g., Z+five feet, a recommended change to aperformance characteristic of the brake control system 18 can berecommended to the driver to increase the margin of safety. The drivercan then elect whether to modify the user profile accordingly or tomaintain the original user profile.

Additionally, the memory device 22 can save driving characteristics ortendencies of the driver (S116 of FIG. 10), such as force with which thesteering wheel 19 is operated or force applied to the brake pedal 20.The driver can be periodically queried whether the user profile shouldbe updated with recommended performance characteristics based on therecorded driving characteristics of the driver (S117 of FIG. 10). Forexample, when the driver has a tendency to respond slowly to an event, arecommendation can be made to adjust the amount of steering inputrequired to respond to an event. The driver can accept the recommendedperformance characteristics and have the user profile modifiedaccordingly (S119). Alternatively, the user can reject the recommendedperformance characteristics and retain the user profile withoutmodification.

The performance characteristic of the vehicle control system can beautomatically adjusted when the vehicle 10 is in the motive state. Forexample, the tightness of the steering control system 16 can bedecreased at high speeds such that small operations of the steeringwheel 19 do not result in overly drastic results. Accordingly, theperformance characteristic can be variable based on the speed of thevehicle. Additionally, the user profile, as well as parameters thereof,can be selectable while the vehicle is in the motive state.

The performance characteristic of the vehicle control system can also beautomatically adjusted based on a sensed condition, such as a width ofthe road, the slope of the road surface, the curvature of the roadsurface or whether the road is slippery from snow, ice or rain. Otherconditions that can cause automatic adjustment of the performancecharacteristic include, but are not limited to, inclination of thevehicle (e.g., traveling up or down a steep road), the condition of theroad surface (e.g., ice or rain), and the time of day (e.g., day ornight). Sensors 61 connected to the controller 14 relay a sensedcondition, such that the controller 14 automatically adjusts theperformance characteristic of the vehicle control system accordingly.The sensed conditions can also be determined prior to the vehicleentering the motive state, such that the driver can decide whether ornot to have the performance characteristic adjusted to account for thesensed condition. The road condition sensors 61 sense a road condition,and the vehicle control characteristic of the vehicle component controlsystem can be readjusted based on the performance characteristic and theroad condition.

The position of a driver's seat 63 can be sensed, such as with aposition sensor, and the performance characteristic adjustedaccordingly. A position of any vehicle device, such as the vehicle seat63 or any vehicle component, such as the steering wheel 19, can bedetected with a position sensor. The vehicle control characteristic ofthe vehicle component control system can be readjusted based on theperformance′characteristic and the position of the vehicle device. Forexample, the position of the seat 63 affects the amount of travel thedriver is able to impart to the brake pedal 20. Thus, the performancecharacteristic associated with the amount of brake travel can beadjusted based on the sensed seat position. Additionally, thecalibration tests can be conducted with the driver in different seatpositions to determine the effect of the seat position on thecalibration test results. The driver can also save different userprofiles associated with different seat positions, such that the drivercan select the appropriate user profile based on the seat position beingused. Alternatively, the system can prompt the driver to adjust vehiclecomponents, such as the vehicle seat 63, the steering wheel 19, mirrors,etc., to attain optimum performance. The calibration tests can then bererun with the positionally adjusted vehicle components.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” or “portion” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the aboveembodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”,“above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse”as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directionsof a vehicle.

The term “detect” as used herein to describe an operation or functioncarried out by a component, a section, a device or the like includes acomponent, a section, a device or the like that does not requirephysical detection, but rather includes determining, measuring,modeling, predicting or computing or the like to carry out the operationor function.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of customizing a vehicle componentcontrol system of a vehicle, comprising the steps of creating with acontroller a user profile having at least one performancecharacteristic, the creating the user profile step including entering anadaptation mode including presenting a stimulus via a stimulipresentation system; detecting with an actuation sensor actuation of avehicle component of the vehicle component control system in response tothe stimulus; and determining with the controller the at least oneperformance characteristic based on the detected actuation; storing theuser profile in a memory device; and adapting at least one vehiclecontrol characteristic of the vehicle component control system based onthe at least one performance characteristic of the user profile.
 2. Themethod of customizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein the adapting at least one vehicle controlcharacteristic step includes determining with a controller whether auser profile has been created and adapting at least one vehicle controlcharacteristic of the vehicle component control system based on theperformance characteristics of a baseline profile in the absence of auser profile.
 3. The method of customizing a vehicle component controlsystem of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle componentcontrol system is at least one of a steering control system, a brakingcontrol system, an acceleration control system and a transmissioncontrol system.
 4. The method of customizing a vehicle component controlsystem of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the user profileincludes a plurality of performance characteristics, and the adapting atleast one vehicle control characteristic step includes adapting aplurality of vehicle control characteristics of the vehicle componentcontrol system.
 5. The method of customizing a vehicle component controlsystem of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adapting at leastone vehicle control characteristic step includes adapting at least onevehicle control characteristic of each of a plurality of vehiclecomponent control systems.
 6. The method of customizing a vehiclecomponent control system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein thepresenting the stimulus step, the detecting the actuation step and thedetermining the performance characteristic step are repeated todetermine each of a plurality of performance characteristics of the userprofile.
 7. The method of customizing a vehicle component control systemof a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation mode isentered only when the vehicle is in a non-motive state.
 8. The method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein the creating the user profile step includes presentingvia a stimuli presentation system information representing a comparisonof the at least one performance characteristic of the user profile to acorresponding performance characteristic of one of a baseline profileand an aggregated user profile.
 9. The method of customizing a vehiclecomponent control system of a vehicle according to claim 8, furthercomprising modifying with the controller the user profile based on inputreceived from a user input device in response to the presenting ofinformation representing the comparison step.
 10. The method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle according toclaim 8, further comprising determining with the controller whether anupdated baseline profile is available, and updating the baseline profilewith the updated baseline profile when available.
 11. The method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein the performance characteristic is a strengthcharacteristic, the determining the performance characteristic stepincludes determining a speed of actuation after the presenting thestimulus step, and the presenting the stimulus step includes presentingan instruction to actuate the vehicle component as hard as possible. 12.The method of customizing a vehicle component control system of avehicle according to claim 1, wherein the performance characteristic isa reaction characteristic, the determining the performancecharacteristic step includes determining a time to actuation after thestep of presenting the stimulus, and the presenting the stimulus stepincludes first presenting a first stimulus including an instruction toactuate the vehicle component as quickly as possible after a secondstimulus, and then presenting the second stimulus.
 13. The method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein the performance characteristic is a range of motioncharacteristic, the determining the performance characteristic stepincludes determining an amount of actuation after the step of presentingthe stimulus, and the presenting the stimulus step includes presentingan instruction to actuate the vehicle component as far as possible. 14.The method of customizing a vehicle component control system of avehicle according to claim 1, further comprising detecting with a roadcondition sensor a road condition, and readjusting the vehicle controlcharacteristic of the vehicle component control system based on theperformance characteristic and the road condition.
 15. The method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle according toclaim 1, further comprising detecting with a speed sensor a speed of thevehicle, and readjusting the vehicle control characteristic of thevehicle component control system based on the performance characteristicand the speed.
 16. The method of customizing a vehicle component controlsystem of a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the adapting at leastone vehicle control characteristic step includes adjusting a movabilityof the vehicle component.
 17. The method of customizing a vehiclecomponent control system of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein theadjusting the movability step includes adjusting a resistance of thevehicle component.
 18. The method of customizing a vehicle componentcontrol system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adaptingat least one vehicle control characteristic step includes adjusting aresponse to a signal from the vehicle component.
 19. A method ofcustomizing a vehicle component control system of a vehicle, comprisingthe steps of creating with a controller a user profile having at leastone performance characteristic; storing the user profile in a memorydevice; adapting at least one vehicle control characteristic of thevehicle component control system based on the at least one performancecharacteristic of the user profile; and monitoring with the controlleractuation of a vehicle component of the vehicle component control systemwhile the vehicle is in a motive state, determining whether theactuation of the vehicle component deviates from an expected actuation,and presenting information representing deviation from the expectedactuation.
 20. The method of customizing a vehicle component controlsystem of a vehicle according to claim 19, further comprising modifyingwith the controller the user profile based on input received from a userinput device in response to the presenting information representingdeviation from the expected actuation step.
 21. A method of customizinga vehicle component control system of a vehicle, comprising the steps ofcreating with a controller a user profile having an entropycharacteristic; determining the entropy characteristic, the determiningthe entropy characteristic step including presenting a stimulus via astimuli presentation system, the presenting the stimulus step includingdisplaying a representation of the vehicle with a plurality of boundarymarkings and a movement of the representation of the vehicle relative tothe boundary markings; detecting actuation of the vehicle componentcorresponding to the movement of the representation of the vehicle; anddetermining a corresponding actuation after the presenting the stimulusstep; storing the user profile in a memory device; and adapting at leastone vehicle control characteristic of the vehicle component controlsystem based on the entropy characteristic of the user profile.